Before drag hit primetime, Hollywood already had a stage where queens ruled the night: The Flamingo Club. Known for its feathered glamour, neon glow, and breathtaking female-impersonation revues, the Flamingo was one of the city’s earliest and most beloved drag venues — a place where illusion wasn’t just entertainment, it was liberation.
From dazzling showgirls to sharp-tongued emcees, the club gave performers space to shine long before mainstream applause. It became a haven for queer Angelenos, artists, outsiders, and anyone who believed in a little magic after dark.
It was sadly closed in the 50's when its license was denied renewal. The authorities claimed that the club was "a gathering place for undesirables".
